GradingAug 09, 2023
IGI Names New Director of Operations, Business DevelopmentBrought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological Institute
In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.
Brought To You By The International Gemological Institute (IGI)
Over the past 10 years the diamond and jewelry industry has evolved at a dizzying pace. During that time IGI has played a pivotal role in diamond authentication, reporting, education, and advocacy for both professionals and consumers. Today, more than ever, it’s critical to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats present in our industry. To that end IGI has proactively launched initiatives to serve every sector from mine to market. This article explores IGI's purpose, the broader role of grading laboratories in the jewelry industry, and how IGI is elevating this sparkling sector.
Role #1. Authentication First: A Shield for Luxury Brands and Consumers
Did you know that nearly all the world’s luxury brands have relied on IGI for decades, entrusting the institute with the screening of millions of carats of melee, to ensure the pieces they sell contain no mixed goods? In an industry where trust is paramount, IGI's protection of our most celebrated brands is invaluable. The shield of protection IGI provides is also available to every retailer, as well as consumers buying on the secondary market, offering a level of security that is indispensable in the world of high-value jewelry. There is no substitute for trust and certainty. From the most prestigious boutiques on Fifth Avenue to consumers in Middle America, IGI’s commitment to accuracy and transparency is a linchpin that elevates the jewelry industry as a whole.
Role #2. Bulletproof Reporting: Transparency and Assurance
One of IGI's primary services is unbiased reporting. This begins with affordable screening of loose melee - sorted, separated, and sealed by category. It continues with a variety of loose diamond and gemstone reports. However, in today’s diverse market the most useful service IGI offers may be grading reports for finished jewelry. In this age of mixing natural and lab grown stones, along with color in creative pieces, a one-page IGI jewelry report detailing every aspect of the piece is a no-brainer. Designers and retailers even co-brand with IGI, placing their logo on the document, and can request an appraised replacement value for insurance purposes. Whether describing standard sapphires or exotic materials from bixbite to zoisite, a single ironclad document from IGI raises consumer confidence when buying jewelry and elevates trust in our industry. Furthermore, IGI’s appraisals are accepted by all major insurance companies, providing peace of mind that a consumer’s precious possessions are adequately insured. The unique possibility of co-branding with IGI enhances the credibility and value of the appraisal process, making it a win-win for all stakeholders.
Role #3. Education and Awareness: Stay informed!
In our rapidly changing sector, getting the latest information is essential. IGI is at the forefront of education and awareness campaigns to keep professionals up to date on the newest developments and educate consumers on the importance of authenticity and verification. If you are not subscribed to IGI’s GemNews newsletter and the IGI GemBlog, you can sign up for weekly information to your inbox that will keep you up to speed. The Institute is constantly disseminating both basic knowledge and the latest breaking news over those channels, social media, press releases, webinars, seminars, and online and in-person courses worldwide. By providing a platform for learning and discussion, IGI empowers industry professionals to make informed decisions. And by streaming knowledge and promoting transparency, IGI contributes to the growth of a more informed and trusting consumer base.
Role #4. Industry Advocacy: Supporting all compass points.
In addition to unbiased independent reporting, IGI has stood for nearly a half-century as a staunch advocate for all stakeholders in the jewelry industry. Whether you are operating a small store in a strip mall, a luxury boutique on Fifth Avenue, a family-owned business or an online sales platform IGI advocates for your proposition and your place in our industry. From the first roots in Antwerp’s famed diamond district in 1975, to a seat on the World Diamond Council and 30 IGI locations operating around the world today, IGI champions the cause of all entities who responsibly sell gemstones and jewelry. As the first institute to hold ISO accreditation in the grading of both natural and lab grown diamonds, the Institute's commitment to authenticity, transparency, and education benefits all sellers in our industry and their specific sales propositions.
Conclusion
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) plays a pivotal role in the jewelry industry by upholding the values of authenticity, transparent reporting, education, and support. As the guardian of trust, IGI ensures that luxury brands, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers can navigate the jewelry market with confidence. With comprehensive reporting, commitment to education, and advocacy for all stakeholders, IGI is an industry cornerstone, elevating fellow professionals to new heights of credibility and integrity.
In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose and contributions are truly invaluable.
More on Grading
The Latest
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
Policies & IssuesJul 28, 2025
U.S.-EU Come to Agreement on Tariffs Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
